We flew on Thursday and Friday morning, at altitudes from 200 to 1000 feet. We took off and flew west, avoiding the Navy base to the north. We flew over Ballast Key, about 9 miles west of Key West, which is now owned privately and has a nice house/compound on it. In the 70's it was a destination for Jimmy Buffett and friends to party on. They would get in various sized boats filled with ice chests, charcoal grills and other fun stuff and they would head to Ballast Key for a jumbo sized beach party.
I saw a shark on each trip and also saw several sea turtles, dolphins, and rays. It was the start of the lobster mini season so there were a lot of lobster fishermen along with the sailors, divers, and snorkelers. Incredible shades of blue, green, and turquoise were seen as I looked down upon the ocean.
The Cessna 172 felt much more powerful and smooth compared to a Cessna 150. I guess I was the First Officer to Captain Matt, only because of sitting in the right seat. In the event of any trouble, the only thing I would know to do would be pray and scream.
For less than the cost of renting a boat for 1/2 a day we spent about 1 hour and twenty minutes in the air above some beautiful ocean and islands. A good deal, but next time I want to go out in a boat also.
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